Do It Scared

“It’ll only be scary for a little while, Kelvey. Then it will get better.”

I am a creature of habits, of rhythm. I love consistency and constancy and the people I meet in the midst. Therefore, being uprooted, transitions, are terrifying.

As someone who graduates college in a few weeks, this life fact is not a good one.

I’m not quite sure what part of an unknown future is truly so scary. Is it what you leave behind? Is it the fear that what lies ahead may not be better? Is it the idea of danger in the way?

Only God can truly see how fear impacts a human heart. Obviously, from the amount of times He speaks on fear and courage in His Word, there is not a lack of empathy or understanding. Of course God knows how detrimental fear is; the One who wired our brains and formed our hearts knows how they operate perfectly.

 

He knows how fear paralyzes, and yet, expects us to move anyway.

 

“It’ll only be scary for a little while,” reminded my sister as she talked me through my panic over the phone. “Things will get better and it will be okay.” She reminded me that all things start with a leap of faith, fear choking up our throats.

Good things come to those who do it scared.

“Fear not, for I am with you,” spoke God through Isaiah. “Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

He is our God. He will strengthen; He will help; He will uphold. Never does He say it won’t be scary for a while.

Courage is not having all the answers and knowing exactly what lies ahead and THEN taking a step. Courage is hurtling over the cliff face without knowing exactly what lies at the bottom, trusting that God does. Courage is running into the dark forest because you KNOW that you serve a God that is light.

Courage isn’t the absence of fear-it’s taking the step even when you’re shaking. Courage is being absolutely terrified, and showing up anyway. If you’re scared to take the next step, do it scared; life can’t stand still forever.